If you’re dreaming of a trip that combines wildlife encounters, lush rainforest exploration, river cruising, and some laid-back beach time, Borneo travel should be right at the top of your list. Our journey through Borneo was nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—filled with cheeky orangutans, the world’s smallest bears, and the serene beauty of the Kinabatangan River. We even added a quick Singapore stopover, giving the trip a splash of cosmopolitan sparkle.
Before diving into Borneo’s wild heart, we eased into holiday mode with a Singapore stopover—what a city! Ultra-clean, super green, and incredibly easy to get around, Singapore offers the perfect gateway to Southeast Asia.
We explored the Gardens by the Bay, snapped a cheeky selfie in front of the iconic Supertree Grove, and devoured the best satay ever at a bustling hawker centre. The city’s energy, combined with its effortless comfort, made for an ideal prelude to our Borneo jungle adventure.
Our first stop in Borneo was Sepilok, a haven for wildlife lovers. We kicked things off at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where we met the cutest creatures imaginable. These shaggy little bears—the smallest in the world—have long tongues, tree-climbing skills, and tons of character. They’re often overlooked, but I was instantly smitten.
Just next door is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, one of the most meaningful places to see orangutans in Borneo. Watching these gentle apes swing freely through the trees was incredibly moving. Many are rescued or orphaned, and the sight of them at feeding time—and especially the babies in the nursery—was a standout moment.
Then came the wildest part of our journey: a stay on the Kinabatangan River, one of Borneo’s top spots for wildlife and eco-tourism. This area is pure rainforest magic. We stayed at a riverside lodge, lulled to sleep each night by the sounds of the jungle.
Every morning began with an early river safari, and each one felt more magical than the last. We spotted proboscis monkeys, hornbills, macaques, crocodiles, and more birdlife than we could count. One unforgettable evening, we even caught sight of a wild orangutan high in the trees—a true bucket-list moment. The peace of drifting along the river, mist hanging over the water, surrounded by deep green forest... it stays with you.
After the jungle came the chill. Kota Kinabalu, a laid-back coastal city on Borneo’s west coast, was the perfect place to unwind. Think: golden beaches, island-hopping, cold drinks by the water, and sunsets that set the sky on fire.
We took a boat to one of the nearby islands for some epic snorkelling in Borneo, lounged under the sun, and enjoyed slow, easy days. It was a completely different side of Borneo—calm, colourful, and just as captivating.
Borneo
Borneo
Borneo
Borneo
Borneo
This trip was the ultimate blend of wild adventure and relaxing escape. We experienced close-up moments with some of the planet’s rarest animals, discovered the rhythms of rainforest river life, and still found time for beach relaxation and urban exploration.
If you’re looking for a destination that’s a little off the beaten path, full of natural wonders but still packed with comfort and charm, Borneo is a hidden gem. And that quick taste of Singapore? Just the cherry on top.
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At TripsBeyond there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
0800 270 0009
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Request A Callback
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